It is also vital that minorities continue to have effective access to national and international human rights
protection mechanisms. Confusion about which party controls a territory, or disagreement about the
legitimacy of the authorities in place, may however slow down decision-making at international level. In
the long term, it may even create “black holes” where no body is monitoring minority rights or human
rights generally. From a human rights perspective, this is untenable.
Our key message today is therefore: access – to rights, and to human rights protection mechanisms.
Essential in times of peace, such access is even more crucial for minorities in times of conflict or
violence.
Thank you, Chair.